High gas costs prompt 'stay-cation' living...

High gas costs prompt ‘stay-cation’ living

Outdoor and leisure features have growing appeal as families change their vacation strategies

If you’re like most Canadians, you probably wince when you pull up to the gas pumps these days.  It’s already having an impact at how many ‘day trippers’ drive out of the city each weekend for visits to the beach or lake.    And it doesn’t look like the situation is going to improve any time soon.  The latest news comes from Air Canada, announcing that it is eliminating several flights due to the high cost of fuel.  With these cut-backs comes a warning that we can expect airfare prices to rise dramatically over the next short span of time.  It leaves me wondering if more crowded seating and luggage surcharges can be far behind. 

So with all these rapid changes and escalating costs, where does that leave the average Canadian family when it comes to their vacation plans?  Many of my customers are already telling me that they’re changing their vacation strategies.  And not too surprisingly, that brings us back to the subject of real estate.  Many homeowners are opting to take their vacations at home.  They’re planning to put their holiday budget back into their property, to create their own restful oasis from their daily stress.  Luxury features like saunas, home theatres, hot tubs, entertainment size kitchens, swimming pools, outdoor rooms, water features and extensive landscaping are all part of this scenario.  Such appealing amenities are going to be increasingly sought after by discriminating home buyers in the future.   If you’re thinking of similar improvements, I’d be glad to tell you how your renovation plans might improve your property’s resale value.

But what about those people who still crave a change of scene for their vacation plans?  Here’s where a real estate solution can also be the answer.  Think about it!  A family cottage or chalet can grow in value and create an asset you can enjoy for years to come, and even provide rental income if you don’t want to use it for the whole season.  When you’re situated in an area with multiple leisure activities all around you, you won’t be burning gas and spending most of the day driving to get to some outdoor area attraction just to spend a few hours there. 

A vacation property can be a sound investment if you have the help of a specialist to do it right.  I  can help you do the groundwork right here at home, helping you to determine how much you can afford, offering creative financing solutions and much more.  And when the time is right, I have a network of experienced colleagues in resort locations to help you find the right property for you and your family.  So why not give me a call and let’s see if we can put a new spin on your family’s vacation strategy?  The high cost of fuel could send you in an exciting new direction! 

We purchased a bank repo cottage this summer and have had a great experience using and renting it.